A dramatic shift in weather is set to remind Poland that winter is firmly on the calendar. The arrival of Arctic air in early January will bring round-the-clock frost to much of the country, with nighttime temperatures plunging as low as -15°C in some regions.
A Wintry Start to the New Year
Following an unusually warm December, the beginning of January promises significant weather changes. The new year will kick off with dynamic conditions, including weather fronts bringing rain, sleet, and snow. A powerful gale with wind speeds of 100-120 km/h is also possible.
As midweek temperatures hover around 5-10°C, winter might seem distant. However, this will change abruptly before the Epiphany, when Arctic air sweeps into Poland. From that point, sub-zero daytime temperatures are expected across most of the country, and nighttime lows could plummet to -8°C to -12°C, with the foothills seeing temperatures below -15°C.
Snowstorms and Heavy Snowfall
Frost isn’t the only challenge ahead. Passing atmospheric fronts will deliver significant snowfall, accompanied by potential snowstorms in some areas. Regions like Pomerania may experience particularly heavy snowfall due to the “sea effect,” while the mountains are also likely to receive substantial accumulations. By the end of the first week of January, much of Poland could be blanketed in white.
A Prolonged Cold Spell
Forecasts suggest that these colder-than-average conditions may persist through the first half of January. While severe frosts and snowstorms may disrupt daily life, they also signal the full arrival of winter in Poland.
Prepare for the Arctic Chill
As the Arctic air mass takes hold, residents are advised to dress warmly and stay updated on local weather forecasts. With the potential for challenging travel conditions due to snow and ice, early planning will be key to staying safe during this wintry transition.